Obituary of Muriel Garton

BIOGRAPHY GARTON ~ Muriel Murene Garton passed away peacefully in the Lloydminster Hospital in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the age of 90 years. Murene will be sadly missed by her daughter Gale and Robin Willis; son Glen and Holly Garton; grandchildren: Megan and Brent Elliott, Sabrina and Shaun Schneider, Amber and Kendra Willis, Shena and Tenille Garton; great grandchildren: Dylan, Zachary and Tye Schneider; Matthew and Emily Elliott; Logan Willis; two sisters: Olive Frissell and Tena Driscole and one brother George Jensen. The celebration of life was conducted from the Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor James Schwab officiating. The eulogy was read by The Grandchildren. The hymns sung were "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" and "Amazing Grace" accompanied by the Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship Worship Team. The honorary pallbearers were Ann and Albert Venance, Muriel and Raymond Knowlson, Iva Haan, Pat Wild, Flora Kuzyk, Elsie and John Malka, Shelly and Peter Kuzyk, Debbie and Robert Petrukovich. The active pallbearers were Megan and Brent Elliott, Sabrina and Shaun Schneider, Amber Willis, Kendra Willis, Shena Garton and Tenille Garton. The interment was held in the McLaughlin Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY Muriel Murene Clarke was born on August 3, 1921 to Alexander and Christina Clarke. Their family saw more bad times than good when they were little. When her mom was in her sixth pregnancy and expecting twins, complications arose during delivery. One of the twins died and so did their mom. Her dad and grandmother were left to raise the family. A short time later, the dad became very sick and died, the grandmother realized that she was unable to look after all these children. A hard decision needed to be made to find other families to help with raising them and they were adopted out all over the prairie provinces. Grandma eventually ended up back in the Rivercourse area living at the Bob Cameron farm. These memories were so very painful that Grandma would very rarely share them with anyone. She met Grandpa at a dance at the McLaughlin Hall and before long a garden wedding was being planned on the Cameron front lawn. They celebrated 62 years together before Grandpa died. In the early years of their married life they worked for and lived at the neighbors, the Haans. They moved out to BC for a while, and while Grandpa was trying his hand at picking fruit in the orchards, Grandma worked in a restaurant. They soon moved back to the Garton Homestead where they lived and farmed. Once they were settled at the farm, they started their family - Gale and Glen. For many years Grandma also decorated wedding cakes. There are probably many sitting here today that made a visit to her home to order their wedding cake. She liked to be involved in the community and was a Brownie Leader and 4-H Leader for many years. One organization that she belonged to all her married life and till her dying day was the Rivercourse Recreation Society, originally the Rivercourse Sewing Circle. This group of ladies and their families, meant more to her than any of them realized. They are here today as her honorary pallbearers. Grandma was a great cook and loved to have company. When Uncle Glen and Mom were younger and still lived in the 'little three room house' it seemed that Grandma was always ready to cook for whatever crew came for a visit. Sometimes when family came, there was standing room only. They can remember when the Kinghams and Thorsens came to visit there were people lying under tables, sleeping on the couch and on the floor, but they don't remember any one ever complaining. Somehow, Grandma would put together a meal for everyone working on a 3 foot counter with no running water and a very small stove. Baking was always such an enjoyment for her too. She was always trying new recipes even up to this past spring. Grandma was blessed with a creative mind. Grandma loved to sew. She sewed costumes, clothes for herself and her children, she sewed for others and in recent years she sewed quilts. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sketching, plastic canvas and just general crafting. If one of the grandkids asked for a toque or mitts they would usually be knit and ready to wear by the next visit. Grandma and Grandpa had an amazing life together. They farmed together, worked together, went everywhere together. Evenings would find them sitting and enjoying each others company. They loved to go camping and had so many stories about their adventures. There were a couple of incidences where a bear tried to mess with Grandma. The first time, a bear tried to enter their tent, Grandma thought differently about that. She picked up a frying pan and hit him over the head. Another time, Glen remembers a bear running across a picnic that the family had set out on the ground. Grandpa, Uncle Glen and Mom headed for the car, Grandma, on the other hand, was chasing after the bear banging pots together. Tough as nails and fearless. Uncle Glen remembers Grandpa telling a story about the time when Grandma got so upset with the crows she went out and threw a rock at them. Her aim wasn't so accurate. The next morning when Grandpa went to check the rainfall from the night before, the crows were still there but the rain gauge was laying there in pieces. Grandpa would chuckle about this as he relived this memory. If you ever asked Grandma if she was worried about something, her response would be "I won't let myself worry about that. It doesn't do me or anyone else any good." That was the way she lived her life. Grandma and Grandpa moved to Lloydminster 12 years ago. Grandma was not as eager to leave the farm as Grandpa as she would miss her yard and garden but she soon came to enjoy their condo. Grandpa died in 2004 and Grandma continued to live there until 3 years ago when she moved to the Hearthstone. This was a whole new adventure for her and she loved both the place, the staff and residents. She spent many hours visiting her friend Mary Willis and sharing so many memories and making new ones. She became so involved with all the activities there, that her family was having trouble finding her at home. Some evenings when we joined her for supper, if we got visiting for too long, she would just get up and tell us to lock the door on our way out because she had places to go. She made a hot meal everyday at noon and any family member that was working in town that day or just in town were invited to join her. These all came to an end this summer when she finally had to admit that she just didn't have the energy to do this anymore. When Grandma decided that she was too sick to stay by herself, she moved out to the farm in July. Grandma so enjoyed her children, then her six grandchildren and finally her six great grandchildren. These six little people brought new energy to her world and she always enjoyed them like a ray of sunshine. These past few months she spent with her family at the farm were wrapped up in hugs, visits and so many memories. The greatest gift Grandpa gave us was to love our Grandma with all his heart. When Grandpa died so did a part of Grandma. As hard as we all tried to include her and take her places with us, she just missed him so much. She would always say "there are so many memories and occasions that I would like to share with him." Well Grandma, now you can! "What an amazing journey my life has been. From very early in my life I have said goodbye to some very important people in my world. Now it is time to say goodbye to all of you, release my hand, let me go so that I may take the hands of the ones I loved so dearly and are waiting for me in heaven. As I release your hand and take my last breath with you I reach for the hands in heaven and take my first breath there. To the ones I leave here and love so much, one day I will be waiting to hold your hands again and meet you in Heaven." Grandchildren's Memories by: Megan, Sabrina, Amber and Kendra If you know even a little bit about Grandma, it's that she's strong and tough. She never would show any emotion of being sad or scared. For what a hard life Grandma had, I guess she just learned to push her emotions aside or hide them from the rest of us. No matter how hard her life was, she was always more concerned about the rest of us, if we were getting enough rest, if we were taking care of ourselves or if we were going to be OK to do a long drive. Nothing ever scared or intimidated Grandma. She never hesitated to jump in between a pair of dogs, or sisters to stop a fight! Grandma was genuine, what you see is what you get. No fluff. Straight shooter, call it like it is, don't mess with me, determined, stubborn, headstrong, independent and authentic. If I ever get a comparison to Grandma, I consider it an honor, and the greatest compliment. She was fiercely in love with Grandpa...And when I say that, I can't put into words how much she loved that man. I love how much she loved him. I never heard a cross word spoken between them...and we saw them everyday! Only once I heard Grandpa complain about Grandma - her hearing was going and he said "she doesn't hear a word I say anymore!" Grandma was also a very smart woman...it wasn't until Grandpa passed away that she got hearing aids! As a child, there is nothing more comforting knowing that the people you love, love each other. When I think about them finally being together again in heaven, I can't even describe how excited and happy I am for them! And while she was never known for outward affection, one of her favorite sayings was "Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see" and this can be applied to her love for us...She didn't run around throwing out this"Love" word...it was all in her actions...Grandma would do anything for us. We were so blessed growing up to live steps from her home. The line between Grandmother and Mother often was blurred. We could run there for comfort, for company, for cooking, for refuge! We have fond memories of their house; one includes getting into her scarves, gloves and hats and playing dress-up with them...regardless of how embarrassing the evidence is now! Grandma was always the person you wanted on your team while playing cards. When playing crib with Grandpa, who would never let you win, you could call on Grandma to help you make the best move. As a little girl, Grandma was always there with a hug. The older we got, she was still always there for us...doing the talking, more often the listening, and always understanding. We will miss these moments, Grandma, and look forward to our visits again one day. More than just a Grandma, we are so blessed to also call you our friend...one of the best. Grandma Garton was one of the most special and loved people in the lives of her great grandchildren. She never failed to show them her love. She would never hesitate to get down on the floor to play with them. She was also a favorite guest to have at tea parties. A tea party with Grandma Garton meant drinking real tea, a much desired treat. When Grandma moved out to the farm this summer, she and Logan developed a very special bond. Every morning, Logan would go to Grandma's chair and have a little visit with her before her breakfast. And if Grandma wasn't up yet, she would toddle down the hall on her newly found walking legs to find Grandma in her room to say hello. Grandma loved to read her stories and give her lots of hugs and kisses and always said, that Logan was just like a doll. Grandma was so special to Logan. Now when Logan sees a picture of Grandma, her face produces a smile that only Grandma could get. As little as she is, there is no doubt that Grandma holds such an important place in her heart. Dylan and Zachary quickly figured out that if they wanted something, Grandma Garton was the person to go to! Lots of times they didn't even ask, she just knew what they would like. They would often come running to their mom with a glass of pop, juice, a candy or some money saying "look what Grandma Garton gave me!" Grandma would always bring an extra spoon with her ice cream or puddings because she knew there would always be someone wanting to share her treats with her. Getting mail from Grandma Garton was always so exciting, and it usually included a little gift of money. Dylan and Zachary thought that when you sent mail, you automatically sent money, so many letters to Grandma Garton were sent with pennies or quarters out of their piggybanks. She had a great lap to sit on to look at books or hear a story. Nobody could put a baby to sleep like Grandma Garton. She couldn't handle the sound of a crying baby or child and would do whatever it took to bring peace or comfort. Grandma Garton was very protective of the kids, a gesture that showed her love for them. A few hours before Grandma Garton passed; we walked into the hospital room to see her. Even though she was too weak to talk or even open her eyes, she gave a big smile when she heard Tye's voice, no matter what her circumstances, she always enjoyed having them close to her. We will miss walking in the door everyday to see Grandma sitting in her chair waiting for us with a big hug and a smile. If we ever wondered what Grandma was like as a little girl, we now know that we don't have to look any further then miss Emily! I had always wondered why Grandma had more than enough patience with Emily, (who by the way, never sits still and get's into everything)! Grandma told us that when she was a little girl, her Grandma had had enough of her and put her outside and told her to "get lost!" Emily and Grandma must be kindred spirits because Grandma was the only one ever able to rock her to sleep! Close to the end, Grandma wasn't able to find the energy to get out of bed some days. Out for a visit, Matthew had disappeared and was found quietly playing tractor's in Grandma's bed with her! Grandma often told me how much Matthew reminded her of Grandpa, being very particular, and having to have everything organized and in his own way! And as much as my heart hurts that she is no longer here with us, I take so much comfort that she is in heaven. And now that she's there, she's probably wondering why she was so stubborn about leaving this place! So Grandma, it's not so long...it's so short! Grandchildren's Memories by: Shena and Tenille When we were talking about all the things that we could talk about for our memories of Grandma Garton, there were lots of things that were brought up. Things from eating so many pickles that we almost turned green, to all the times we would go to Grandma's and put a few puzzle pieces into place before we would get frustrated at how difficult the puzzles she was doing were. To the numerous times that we would take in different articles of clothing to be mended or shortened or whatever it was that wasn't right with them. To all the mitts that she knit for each of us so that we wouldn't freeze off our fingers in the winter. To having to plan around curling games on tv in the winter and game shows all year round if we wanted Grandma's attention. We were always lucky to have our Grandma and Grandpa in the same yard as us, so we could always go there for a treat, rain or shine. I can especially remember on Christmas morning racing over to their house, trying to beat our Willis cousins. I must say, Grandma was pretty surprised the ONE Christmas that Tenille and I did actually beat them, boy were we huffing and puffing by the time we got there. Grandma was so happy that she was able to be here for the 100 year celebration of the Garton Farm this summer. And that we were able to get the Garton Homestead sign up in time for all the family to arrive. One time when I was younger that I can especially remember was when Grandma, Grandpa and Dad were working on the display for the Climb Thru Time Museum. I remember the fact that they decided to set up the whole display to see how it looked on the deep freeze...so we weren't able to get any ice cream out for dessert...for like a week. Funny how something like that sticks out in a little girls mind. Something else that was pretty special for each of us Grandchildren and Dad and Grandma, is that, as grown ups, at some point each of us was lucky enough to eat lunch at Grandma's. Oh how we all solved the problems of the world in those hours that we had at Grandma's. Even till the end of June, Tenille and Dad were still going to Grandma's for lunch. I know people always say this, but seriously...my Grandma Garton had the BEST Banana Cream Pie EVER!!! I always knew who to call when it came to anything household or cooking. Grandma had wisdom beyond her years and she always knew the right answer...or at least sounded like the right answer with how confident she sounded when she gave you an answer. Through the years Grandma has taught each of us so many things. Some of the most important being never give up on your dreams and you are never too old to learn something new. CARD OF THANKS The family feel so blessed for all the support they have received from family and friends. The phone calls, visits, messages of sympathy, food, flowers, gifts and donations are all so appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Naude and the 3rd floor nursing staff. A very special thanks to Brenda Servold, the Palliative Care Coordination - you were all amazing. Thanks also to Kitscoty Home Care and the Hemstock. Special thanks to LGF, Pastor Lyle and Laura, Pastor James and Melanie, Pastor Chris and Shauna; the amazing worship team; to Shelley, Diane and Deb, the Kitchen Staff. Thanks for all helping in the celebration of mom's life. God is good. Thank you to the McCaw Family for your compassion, patience, guidance and your attention to every little detail. Donations in memory of Murene may be made to the Paradise Valley Climb Thru Time Museum.